Rāma, full of affection and unwavering in righteousness, spoke to his beloved brother Lakṣmaṇa, who was as dear to him as life itself, ever obedient, steadfast, victorious, and a true friend. “Saumitri,” he said gently, “if you come with me today into the forest, who will remain here to serve our mothers—Kausalyā and the illustrious Sumitrā? “The mighty king, who showers the earth with gifts like a rain cloud, is now ensnared by his own desires. Kaikeyī, having gained the kingdom, will not bring happiness to her sorrowful co-wives. Bharata too, established in the kingdom and joined with Kaikeyī, will not support Kausalyā or the deeply distressed Sumitrā. “Therefore, Saumitri, stay behind and support our noble mother, either by your own strength or with the king’s favor. Fulfill this duty for Kausalyā, as I have spoken. In doing so, you will display your devotion to me and reveal your incomparable righteousness in honoring the elders who know dharma. “Do this for my sake, joy of the Raghu lineage. Let not our mother, bereft of us, be deprived of happiness.” Hearing these gentle words, Lakṣmaṇa, wise and skilled in speech, replied to Rāma: “O hero, by your own radiance, Bharata will surely honor both Kausalyā and Sumitrā with devotion—of this I have no doubt. But if, after attaining the kingdom, Bharata fails to rule justly and acts with a troubled mind, especially out of pride, then I will certainly slay that wicked, cruel-minded one—there is no doubt of this. And all those who side with him, even if they be the three worlds themselves. “Kausalyā is fully capable of supporting even a thousand like me, for she has received a thousand villages with their dependents. She can provide for herself, for my mother, and for all others like me—she is a woman of great resolve. “Make me your companion, for there is no unrighteousness in this. I will be fulfilled, and your purpose too will be accomplished. With my bow ready, a spade and basket at my side, I will walk ahead of you, showing you the path. I will always gather roots and fruits for you and other forest foods suitable for ascetics. You, together with Vaidehī, shall enjoy the mountain slopes, while I will serve you in all things, whether you are awake or asleep.” Pleased by Lakṣmaṇa’s words, Rāma replied, “Go, Saumitri, and take leave of all your friends.” Then, those two divine bows—fierce in appearance—which the great-souled Varuṇa had given to King Janaka at his great sacrifice, along with the impenetrable, divine armor, two inexhaustible quivers, and two shining swords adorned with gold, were gathered. Lakṣmaṇa, having taken leave of his friends and resolved to dwell in the forest, approached the family preceptor of the Ikṣvāku lineage and took up the excellent weapons. He then displayed all these honored and garlanded weapons to Rāma. Rāma, self-controlled and affectionate, spoke warmly to Lakṣmaṇa as he arrived: “You have come at the right time, dear one, just as I wished. I desire to give away all my wealth to the Brāhmaṇas and ascetics, together with you. Here dwell the foremost Brāhmaṇas, steadfast in devotion to their teachers, as well as all my dependents. But first, bring here Suyajña, the noble son of Vasiṣṭha and foremost among the twice-born. I will soon depart for the forest, but not before honoring all the distinguished and other Brāhmaṇas.” And so, the thirty-second chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa, begins. Lakṣmaṇa, understanding the dear and beneficial command of his brother, quickly went to the residence of Suyajña. Bowing to the Brāhmaṇa who was in the fire-chamber, Lakṣmaṇa said, “Friend, come with me and see the house of one who performs great deeds.” After completing his twilight worship, Suyajña accompanied Saumitri and entered the splendid, prosperous house of Rāma. There, with armlets of gold, beautiful earrings, necklaces with golden threads, gems, bracelets, and bangles, Rāma honored Suyajña. At Sītā’s urging, Rāma also spoke to him: “Gentle one, have a necklace and golden chain taken to your wife; Sītā wishes to give her a girdle as well. For your wife who is going to the forest, my companion gives splendid anklets and beautiful armlets. Vaidehī also requests that you set up a couch, excellently spread and adorned with various jewels. “And this elephant named Śatruṃjaya, which my maternal uncle gave me, I now give to you, best of Brāhmaṇas, along with a thousand gold coins.” Suyajña accepted these gifts and bestowed auspicious blessings upon Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā. Then Rāma, speaking kindly, addressed his dear and composed brother: “Saumitri, honor Agastya and Kauśika, those two foremost Brāhmaṇas, inviting them with jewels as crops are with water.